Crucify (Triple Threat #4)

By Laura Harner

“I want to go undercover and expose this priest.”

It’s one thing when Jeremiah asks Zack and Archer to take a pro bono case for a friend, it’s a whole different question when he wants to step into the confessional and bait the trap himself. Their investigation reveals more than just a philandering priest with a penchant for young men on their knees, and more than one relationship is going to change. Forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Laura Harner
• Release date: Jul 6, 2014
• ISBN: 9781937252571

Laura Harner

Laura lives on waterfront property in Arizona because she's always wanted to be an oxymoron. She once enjoyed hobbies such as gardening and travel—now the characters in her head compel her to tell their stories, so she writes. (It doesn't actually help quiet the voices—but it keeps the folks in the white jackets at bay.)She shares her home with an ever-revolving cast of characters—some of whom are actually real—and is living her dream of building her own version of the Willow Springs Ranch.With over fifty published novels and novellas, Laura is an international bestselling author of erotic romances, romantic suspense, urban fantasy, and Highland romances. Her books can be found at all major online retailers.Connect with her online at:http://lauraharner.com

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Crucify: Triple Threat #4

Laura Harner

Copyright

Crucify: Triple Threat #4 is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2013 by Laura Harner

Cover photograph by DWS Photography and RomanceNovelCovers.com

Cover Art by Laura E. Harner

Edited by Jae Ashley

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-937252-57-1

Smashwords edition published by Hot Corner Press

Warning: All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any many without written permission, except for brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to five years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. eBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this book.

Contact the publisher for further information: [e-mail]

Dedication

A very special thank you to all the fans of Pulp Friction Books, and my co-conspirators Havan Fellows, Lee Brazil, and Tom Webb. You all have embraced our crazy idea of serials and cross stories, and make this so much fun to write! I can’t wait until PF 2014…

Trademarks

The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following trademarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

Cocktail: Touchstone Pictures a.a.d.o. the Walt Disney Company

iPhone: Apple, Inc.

Louisville Slugger: Hillerich & Bradsby Co.

Worcestershire: Promark Brands, Inc.

Table of Contents

Copyright

Dedication

Acknowledgement of Trademarks

Blurb

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

About the Author

Other Pulp Friction 2013 Titles

Crucify

"I want to go undercover and expose this priest."

It’s one thing when Jeremiah asks Zack and Archer to take a pro bono case for a friend, it’s a whole different question when he wants to step into the confessional and bait the trap himself. Their investigation reveals more than just a philandering priest with a penchant for young men on their knees, and more than one relationship is going to change. Forever.

Chapter One

Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned…

"Yeah, I’m familiar with the ritual—even if I did drop out as soon as I confirmed I liked boys. So, if you have a priest to forgive your sins, what do you need me for?" I wasn’t particularly excited to be meeting with this not-so-happy hooker even if we were in one of my favorite places on the planet. The back booth of the Chances Are…Wick’s booth. That thought brought a smile despite my reluctance to meet with this young man.

Before the discussion could continue, Chance himself strolled up to the table, the recently promoted Gerry trailing close behind carrying a tray of burgers. Half a pound of prime beef, grilled onions, mushrooms, and Worcestershire sauce on a toasted sourdough bun—mine served bloody enough to moo. I smiled when I saw he’d remembered the onion rings, instead of fries.

Gerry set my basket down first, leading with his right shoulder, and flashing a broad grin. The man had always grated on my nerves, but obviously Chance had forgiven his felonious transgressions, so maybe it was time for me to give the man another chance. Hey, Gerry, congrats on the promotion, I said. I almost missed the new title on your nametag. Next to me, Jeremiah smothered a laugh and under the table I gave his thigh a playful squeeze.

Chance rolled his eyes and slid into the opposite side of the booth to face me. Don’t encourage him.

Hi, Zack. Bringing some new friends… Gerry’s eyes widened when he set the food in front of the potential new client. The basket landed on the table with a thud, and a slow flush crawled up Gerry’s neck. He spun away without another word. Chance’s eyes narrowed as he watched his new manager walk away, then he turned back to the table, curiosity all over his face.

Don’t tell me you’re thinking of taking on another pet? You and Archer should declare yourselves a tax-exempt shelter for all the strays.

I barked a laugh. Yeah, well, only Jeremiah is mine. Chance, this here is Nick Gabriel. He’s friends with Jeremiah and Ben.

Chance stuck his hand out, forcing Nick to put his burger back on his plate, untasted. Frowning slightly, Chance said, I know you. He held on to Nick’s hand when the younger man tried to pull back. You’re a…friend of Gerry’s, right? You were the one who found the body in the bathroom, a couple of months back?

Y-yes.

Why’d you rabbit? Not that I blame you—just curious.

I…I’m not exactly… Nick squirmed, then looked away.

Nick’s a former co-worker of Ben’s, I explained. I think the clientele he…works with…call him Gabe. In fact, I believe Nick here might be the one who got Ben started working in his former career. Is that right, Gabe? I mean, Nick?

Zack. Jeremiah’s voice was soft, his gaze was steady. Maybe we can take a break on the editorial comments until you hear Nick’s story, okay?

Ahh… Chance released Nick’s hand, and our gazes locked for a long minute. So, Zack…how’s Archer?

I grinned around a bite of burger. He might as well have asked about the weather, but I’d play along.

"Archer’s good, as always. But I really want to know how things are going with Rory. You’ve had him back, what? A week? Two? He looked a little tired